In the “Space and Form” module, students in the 2025 summer semester examined the analysis and further development of urban districts in the Ostfildern area. The aim was to use the lecture as a basis for understanding the interplay between buildings, open spaces, and streets, and to develop their own strategies for designing high-quality urban spaces.

There were four different neighborhoods to choose from: the Ruit district, Scharnhauser Park (west and east sides), and the Akademiegärten in Neuhausen. The knowledge gained was then translated into a conceptual design for the further development of the neighborhoods.

Supervision:                                          Prof. Cornelia Bott                          Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schröder       Tutorin Alina Fehlhaber 

Special topic: Design / Nature-oriented recreation planning

In a collaboration between the landscape architecture and landscape planning + nature conservation programs, interdisciplinary groups conducted feasibility studies for a potential swimming lake between Owen and Beuren. The task included not only investigating and evaluating the natural conditions, but also proposing designs for the lake that would integrate it into the landscape and existing local recreation facilities.

Supervision:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Birgit Kröniger

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Röhl

Days 3 to 5

On days three to five, the focus shifted to selected urban areas in the Ruhr region. In Duisburg, the students explored the newly designed König-Heinrich-Platz, the inner harbor as an example of successful structural change, and the extensive RheinPark. A special highlight was the walk-in landmark Tiger & Turtle.

In Essen, the program included a visit to the Grüne Mitte university park and a guided tour of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both locations impressively demonstrated how landscape architecture, urban development, and industrial culture are intertwined. The last day of the seminar was devoted to completing the work and a joint conclusion.

Supervision:                                      Raum – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Birgit Kröniger  Typologie – Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Sachse                                      Gestalten – Franziska Korn        Vegetation – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ursula Nothhelfer

Day 1 and 2

This year, the compact seminar took third-semester students to the Ruhr region. The students spent the first two days at Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, an impressive example of the transformation of industrial facilities into diverse open spaces.

In three areas of work—drawing, plants, and space & typology—they explored the park’s characteristic locations: from blast furnaces and bunkers to water and rail structures to sinter gardens. The park provided an inspiring learning environment in which industrial relics, vegetation, and atmosphere are closely interwoven. This resulted in initial drawing analyses, plant portraits, and spatial studies, which formed the introduction to the week.

Supervision:                                      Raum – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Birgit Kröniger  Typologie – Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Sachse                                      Gestalten – Franziska Korn        Vegetation – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ursula Nothhelfer

Cultural spaces on the green belt

New cultural spaces are to be created along the edge of the slope between the residential area and the park. For an annual art and culture festival that attracts large numbers of visitors, the city of N. is holding a competition that combines barrier-free paths, space-creating walls, and themed pavilions. 

The project offers an opportunity to redesign the transition between city and landscape: How can the edge of the slope be strengthened as a “green belt,” what spatial qualities does the location need, and how can sustainability, noise protection, and atmospheric design be convincingly combined?

Supervision:
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Meier

In this course, students explored a wide range of architectural, urban planning, and open space projects, which they then brought to life in carefully designed models. Through their research, they discovered influential buildings and important planners, while honing their technical skills and design eye through model building. As a result, each project not only resulted in a precise model, but also a deeper understanding of the stories, ideas, and concepts that shape our built environment.

Supervision:                                           Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Meier

The cycle path network between Tübingen and Rottenburg from a landscape architecture perspective

A fast cycle route is to be built between Tübingen and Rottenburg am Neckar. The regional council has been planning the project since 2020, and in 2023, the preferred option 2b was chosen. This route runs from Derendingen along the southern side of the B 28, crosses it, and then follows the former construction road parallel to the B 28. In Kiebingen, the route crosses the Neckar River and connects to the Rottenburg cycle path network.

The project offers an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at the region’s bicycle network: where does it work well, where are there gaps, and what improvements can the new connection bring about? The focus is also on questions of sensible networking, connectivity, and landscape-compatible design. 

Supervision:                                           Prof. Dr.-Ing. Henning Krug           Dipl.-Ing. (TUM) LA Max Hansen     Dr. Kilian van Lier                           David Jones